SYNOPSIS

Told through the experiences of Daniel Ellsberg (the Edward Snowden of the 1960-70’s), this is a close retelling of the conspiracies and untruths of U.S. policies during the Vietnam War.

The book is part Ellsberg biography, part thriller, and throughout a detailed journalistic narrative of historical events, including:

• Precursors to and geo-strategic rationales for the U.S.’s involvement in the Vietnam War;
• President Johnson’s and President Nixon’s official statements vs. (now known) private misgivings about the War;
• The impetus to and development of Robert McNamara’s detailed war studies;
• The dangerous path to the Pentagon Papers’ publication;
• The legal cases against Daniel Ellsberg.

PERFECT AGE 12+

We love

• A detailed, factual, unforgiving recounting of troubling events and misbehaviors at the highest political level.
• Engrossing, fast-paced narrative both for YA and adult readers.
• A book that makes history fun, understandable, and inspiring despite the “heavy” subject matter.

CONVERSATION STARTERS

• What behaviors of the two Presidents of this time period (Lyndon Johnson and Richard Nixon) didn’t seem very “Presidential” to you?
• What is your understanding of why Robert McNamara commissioned the historical studies?
• Do you think Daniel Ellsberg was a hero or a traitor? Why?
• Find a friend or relative who lived through Ellsberg’s time – ask them what they remember and how they felt about him!